Family violence when a woman is sponsored by a spouse or partner

Table of contents

This information is for front-line workers and advocates working with women who:

have been or are being sponsored by a spouse or partner, and

have experienced family violence.

Many women are sponsored by a spouse or partner for permanent resident status. Most of the information in this fact sheet is about these "family class sponsorships" and what women who experience family violence may need to know about immigration law.

Immigration law in Canada is complicated. It is easy to make a serious mistake. It is important that a woman with concerns about her immigration status try to get legal help.